Review 82: The Pink Panther

The Pink Panther is hilarious.

As a child, Indian princess Dala, receives a gift from her father in the form of a Daria-i-Noor known as "The Pink Panther". 20 years later, Dala (Claudia Cardinale) after being forced into exile due to her fathers death and rebellion, is on holiday in Cortina d'Ampezzo. Also there is dashing English playboy Sir Charles Lytton (David Niven) who is actually the notorious jewel thief known as "The Phantom" who has his eyes on the Pink Panther. Along for the ride is his equally charming nephew George (Robert Wagner). On his tail is the bumbling Inspector Jacques Clouseau (Peter Sellars) whose wife Simone (Capucine) is in cahoots with Lytton.

The plot is hilarious and surprisingly smart. Writer/Director Blake Edward's signature wit just oozes on the big screen.

Blake Edwards direction is the cinematography is fabulous and captures the beauty and exoticness of Cortina in particular, the score by Henry Mancini is exquisite, the locations are fabulous, the scenery is breathtaking, the production design is exquisite, the costumes are lavish,

In the role of Sir Charles Lytton, David Niven does all the classic David Niven things, he's charming, he's charismatic, he's a womaniser. He lulls you in with his rakish charm and devil-may-care attitude.

Peter Sellars, in a practically scene stealing performance,

Capucine

Robert Wagner

Claudia Cardinale